A rich and indulgent dish featuring tender chicken breasts in a creamy, flavorful sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. This one-pan meal is perfect for a cozy Valentine’s Day dinner or any night when you want a comforting and satisfying dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for a quick yet elegant meal
- A creamy, cheesy sauce infused with Italian flavors
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a delicious tangy sweetness
- Spinach provides a nutritious boost
- Pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread
- One-pan recipe for easy cleanup
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Directions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve hot with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Variations
- Low-Carb/Keto: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
- Add More Veggies: Try adding mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp or salmon instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free Parmesan.
- Extra Creamy: Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese for an even richer sauce.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving at high power, as it can make the sauce separate.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and will be extra juicy. Adjust cooking time as needed.
What can I serve with Creamy Tuscan Chicken?
It pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, but sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated flavor that fresh tomatoes won’t replicate.
How do I thicken the sauce?
If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer or add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but for best results, store the sauce and chicken separately, then reheat gently on the stove.
Is this dish spicy?
No, but you can add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Milk can be used, but the sauce won’t be as rich. A mix of milk and cream cheese can help mimic the creamy texture.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, reduce the cheese, and serve with a lighter side like a green salad.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Sauté the chicken first, then pressure cook with the sauce ingredients for 5 minutes on high.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Conclusion
Creamy Tuscan Chicken is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together rich flavors and a luscious sauce in just 20 minutes. Whether you’re making it for a romantic dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress. Serve it with your favorite side and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!
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Creamy Tuscan Chicken
A rich and indulgent dish featuring tender chicken breasts in a creamy, flavorful sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. This one-pan meal is perfect for a cozy Valentine’s Day dinner or any night when you want a comforting and satisfying dish.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve hot with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Notes
- Low-Carb/Keto: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
- Extra Creamy: Stir in 1 tablespoon of cream cheese for a richer sauce.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free Parmesan.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
